Taking Pride in Progress

By Kenneth C. Crowe II, Albany Times Union, N.Y.

Jun. 26–TROY — When Troy High School’s Class of 2008 graduates Sunday, they’ll leave behind a school that this year pulled itself off the state Education Department’s list of schools requiring academic progress.

After two years of improved student academic performance, the school was taken off the list that it had been on five years.

"Their last three years were spent selling the kids. The challenge is one of responsibility and making the effort," said John Carmello, the high school principal.

The faculty, staff and students united to work at improving the educational atmosphere at the high school, according to Seth Cohen, president of the Troy Teachers Association and a teacher at the school.

Teachers aren’t worrying about discipline and now can concentrate on education, Cohen said. "One student could tie up a lot of a teacher’s time," Cohen said.

The teachers, administrators and staff have focused on creating an atmosphere where students’ needs are met and opportunities are provided. There are clubs for students to pursue interests.

The school also provides math, social studies, English and reading labs for students who need assistance with their studies. Carmello said successful efforts have been made to reach out to students who may be in danger of dropping out and bring back those who have.

The school has been able to raise student performance, which shows in test results.

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